Trigger Point Release versus Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Upper Trapezius Trigger Points in Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

ENAS F. YOUSSEF, Ph.D., MOHAMED N.H. ABDELHAMID, M.Sc.;; MAHA M. MOHAMMED, Ph.D., AHMAD H. AZZAM, M.D.;

doi:10.21608/mjcu.2020.125152

Trigger Point Release versus Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Upper Trapezius Trigger Points in Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

The Department of Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Surgery*, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University and Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology**, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University

10.21608/mjcu.2020.125152

Abstract

Abstract Background: Mechanical neck pain is a widespread sig-nificant health problem with a huge burden on the individual and economy. Finding a noninvasive effective treatment that's non exhaustive for the therapist and non painful for the patient is highly needed. Aim of Study: This study investigated and compared the effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) using m2t blade and trigger point release (TPR) in terms of neck lateral flexion and rotation range of motion on upper trapezius (UT) myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in mechanical neck pain. Methods: Forty patients between 18 and 55 years were randomized to one either group A or B. Group A received one session of TPR and passive stretching while group B received one session of IASTM using M2t blade and passive stretching. Tape measurement was used to evaluate patients pretreatment, post treatment and at follow-up. Results: Within group analysis, there was a significant increase in neck lateral flexion and rotation at immediate post treatment and at follow-up in both groups (p < 0.001). Between group analysis, there was with no significant difference in lateral flexion and neck rotation (p>0.05) Conclusion: IASTM using M2t blade and TPR were effective in treating patients with mechanical neck pain and UT MTrPs.

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